Poems for the Common Man
by
Book Cover & Preview Text
I feel compelled to write my rhymes. I’m sure the critics will agree I stand upon the threshold of a brand new, spotless day, Because of my redemption, and my gift from God above, For no occasion justifies my hate or bitterness, Today I'll choose to dwell in PEACE, and quickly will forgive I'll choose to act with PATIENCE as I go about my day, I'll choose to show true KINDNESS to each person that I see, Today I'm choosing FAITHFULNESS to promises I make, My choice is also GOODNESS, and I'll strive for honesty Today my choice is GENTLENESS in every action done, I'll strive today for SELF CONTROL in thought, and word, and deed, If I have been successful with the choices I have made, I'll praise my precious Lord above, Who gives abundantly But if I fail to live today the way I know I should, In true repentance I will bow before my Savior's feet,
POEMS FOR THE COMMON MAN
But I have longed, so many times,
For just a touch of eloquence,
Instead of my incompetence
At being able to express
Majestic thoughts with great finesse.
Though maybe not the way I plan,
My poems are for the Common Man,
With phrases such as "saved by grace,"
And seeing Jesus "face to face."
Just simple words to touch a life,
And help to heal heart-rending strife.
That no great poet I’ll ever be.
Yet still I’ll write about my Lord,
And seek His blessing as reward.
For I could have no greater gain
Than knowing I have eased some pain,
Or helped someone who’s gone astray,
To come to Christ, the only way.
And so words flow -- each one a prayer
That God might somehow use, somewhere,
To do His will, and fill a need.
Ah, that would bring me joy indeed!
CHOICES
And ponder all the choices that surround me as I pray.
Today I'm free to choose, and I've decided I'll choose LOVE.
And love can cure a multitude of ills that cause distress.
Imagined hurts, and wrongful acts, so I might fully live.
And even though the wait be long, I'll use that time to pray.
And pray that they will see the love of Christ alive in me.
And I will be trustworthy, and the truth I'll not forsake.
In every action that I take, with true humility.
So I'll have no regrets to feel at setting of the sun.
And choose the pure and noble things on which my soul can feed.
And sleep tonight with conscience free, secure and unafraid,
His peace that money cannot buy, and love beyond degree.
And find I've chosen what is wrong, instead of what is good,
And I'll find grace and His forgiveness at the Mercy Seat
Formats
Book Details
About the Book
Here is a new and fresh compilation of beloved poems from the heart of a talented and insightful poet. For many years, appreciative readers have been strengthened and encouraged by her inspired verses. They are simple and easy to comprehend but are full of deep understanding derived from a lifetime of close companionship with the Lord of Glory – the ultimate provider of compassion, forgiveness, trust and love. This book is in response to many who have urged repeatedly that she compile her helpful poems in one volume. You will surely be blessed as you share these caring expressions of comfort, encouragement and faith.
About the Author
Betty Jo lives in Garden Grove, California, with Rowland, her husband of over fifty years. She has three children and six grandchildren who all love the Lord. She started writing poems as a child, about the same time she received God's gift of eternal life. In high school, she composed poems for the school paper, and while attending Biola University she wrote poems for their school publication also. For many years she sold personal Custom Poems, written for special occasions, and she also sold poems in decorated frames to Christian Bookstores throughout Southern California. She has had countless poems and articles published in books, newspapers, magazines, periodicals, and anthologies. Her writings are also available on her personal site at